The running back-by-committee approach has become the norm in the NFL over the last decade, which means a number of solid running backs who lack elite talent have become productive in the NFL.

Additionally, because starting running backs tend to have shorter careers than other positions, the best backfield talent usually comes out early for the draft, which is why four of the five prospects listed below are juniors.

Arkansas RB Knile Davis would be on this list had he not suffered a season-ending ankle injury right before the season, even though he still may come out early for the 2012 draft. Our top-five for this college season:

1. Trent Richardson (5-11, 224), junior, Alabama

Until this season, Richardson shared the limelight with Mark Ingram even though he is clearly more explosive and talented than the Saints' first-round pick. Richardson is a rare combination of speed, quickness and agility. He has an explosive burst through the hole as well as a smooth, lateral motion to evade defenders. He has rare power on contact, capable of dragging the pile and breaking multiple tackles on the same run. Richardson shows that special determination to run through contact in critical situations — like fourth down or near the goal-line. In pass protection, he shows exceptional aggressiveness. He is quick to read the defense and pick up blitzes. As a receiver, Richardson shows soft hands with the ability to adjust to the ball in the air. Overall, he is worthy of a top-10 selection in next year’s draft should he decide to come out early. Richardson reminds of a tougher, more physical Rashard Mendenhall. PROJECTED: High first round.

2. Andre Ellington (5-10, 190), junior, Clemson

Ellington grabbed our attention in 2009 while evaluating former Clemson start C.J. Spiller. Ellington displayed the same explosiveness and elusiveness that had everyone so excited about Spiller. Ellington is not a huge back, but is solidly built. Considering many of the best backs in the NFL are within the same height range, it shouldn't be considered a negative. He has natural run instincts and finds holes with ease. What's impressive is his ability to make tacklers miss in tight quarters (think Barry Sanders). Ellington is never going to be a punishing inside runner, he lacks the bulk and strength to break tackles consistently. Overall, Ellington has everything it takes to be a highly productive back in the NFL. PROJECTED: First round.

3. LaMichael James (5-9, 185), junior, Oregon

James has been a star since grabbing the starting job in 2009. He has all the skills to carry over his production to the NFL. Of the top backs in the country, James is the smallest of the group and is never going to be a strong and physical tackle-breaking back. He has excellent vision and instincts with the ability to make quick jump-cuts to get to hole. He does an excellent job of getting his shoulders down to make himself a smaller target, so he takes less punishment running in traffic. James has the ability to dip his shoulder to freeze defenders before zipping past them. He needs to improve his pass protection if he is going to be a three-down back in the NFL. Poor technique and lack of aggressiveness are concerns. While James is quick, he lacks premier speed to leave defenses in the dust. PROJECTED: Second round.

4. Cyrus Gray (5-10, 202), senior, Texas A&M

Gray has not received the same hype as James or Richardson, but he is a top prospect who could force his way into the first round with a strong senior season. He is a versatile back who has been highly productive from running formations, catching passes out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Gray is a highly competitive and runs with real passion on every carry by consistently churning his legs while fighting for every yard. Excellent balance and agility allows him to keep his feet after hard hits. Do not be shocked if Gray is the running back who gets more hype leading up to the 2012 draft and ends up being one of the first four backs chosen. PROJECTED: Second round.

5. Chris Polk (5-11, 222), junior, Washington

Polk is a tough and aggressive runner. Although not an explosive back who is going to shoot through holes and run away from the defense, he is a quicker than his size would suggest. One of his best traits is his decisiveness and aggressiveness attacking the hole, which helps him to drive through with surprising ease. While he is not a big-play threat catching passes out of the backfield, he does have good hands. Polk is efficient in pass protection which will help him make the transition to the NFL. Polk showed his toughness in Washington’s season-opening victory over Eastern Washington rushing for 125 yards just two weeks after having arthroscopic knee surgery. That's a vital trait to be successful in the NFL. PROJECTED: Third round.